Advanced Academic Services (AAS)

General Overview

In ACPS, we believe all students have the fundamental right to an education that promotes the development of their potential. Each child has a unique profile of academic strengths and abilities. ACPS is committed to providing challenging learning experiences for all students that build on individual strengths and optimize abilities, including Advanced Academic Services (AAS), formally known as Talented and Gifted Services.

Grades K-3: General Intellectual Aptitude (GIA)

General Intellectual Aptitude services are enriched and integrated classroom activities designed to enhance creativity and problem solving without being specifically tied to one subject area.

Grades 3*-5: Specific Academic Aptitude (SAA)  

*For current 3rd graders, a referral is required to be screened for 4th Grade SAA services which begin in the 2024-25 school year.

• Math and Language Arts: Direct instruction from a teacher specializing in teaching talented and gifted children with an enriched or accelerated curriculum and significantly above grade-level expectations.
• Science and Social Studies: Differentiated Educational Plans (DEPs) outline individual enrichment and extension activities to be completed in the general education classroom.

Grades 6-12: Specific Academic Aptitude (SAA)

Students in middle school and high school have access to online courses, Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) classes, independent study, Dual-Enrollment in college courses, or access to summer residential Governor's School.

Young Scholars (K–8)

The Young Scholars Model is designed to help identify students from historically underrepresented populations for gifted services. The model provides additional opportunity to nurture talent and build confidence so that students can meet their potential. The goal is to prepare Young Scholars for challenging courses and success in the future. The Young Scholars model supports the notion of providing equity of opportunity to students so that any child who has an exceptional ability to think, reason, and problem-solve will be able to participate in advanced academic classes.

There are no referrals needed for Young Scholars. Schools take the lead on identifying students.

Overview of AAS Program Screening Process

Screening Timeline Update (3/13/24): Families of students who had a referral submitted for K-3 General Intellectual Aptitude (GIA) or Grades 4-8 Specific Academic Aptitude (SAA) services will be notified of eligibility by April 19, 2024. Current Grade 3 students going through the Grade 4 SAA eligibility process will receive notification by May 15, 2024.

Additional Information Can be Found Here:  

• AAS Overview 8/18/23 School Board Brief
• 2023–2024 Advanced Academic Services (AAS) Screening Timeline

Who can be eligible for the AAS Program?

A student who shows evidence of advanced performance and academic potential, including all ACPS students, K-12, all genders, cultures and backgrounds, all English Language Learners and students receiving specialized services.

AAS Resources

Gifted Organizations, Contacts and Research Centers

• ACPS Local Plan for the Gifted 2023-2028
  • Changes Between the Local Plan for the Gifted: 2012 vs. 2023
• Virginia Department of Education Gifted Information
• Virginia Governor's School Program
• National Association for Gifted Children
• National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented
• Virginia Association for the Gifted
• Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted